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Hi everyone, I have a couple questions in relation to fitting eberspacher heaters in smaller older boats which I'm hoping the wealth of experience of the forum can assist with. I've been planning through the winter months the fitment of an eberspacher diesel warm air system while out of the water in spring for our recent acquisition. We'd just like to extend our season a little, not into the depths of winter just so we can enjoy the nicer days of early autumn that would perhaps normally be a bit chilly overnight etc without some form of heating. I have spent quite a bit of time going through BSS regs, advice and forums on here and think I have got a good idea of approximately where to fit which on a 24ft cruiser is erm interesting. The rear lockers are all but out of bounds - battery gases in the rear left, gas in the rear right and an outboard and its tank in the centre behind the transom. We have a tall hanging wardrobe which only accumulates general bits of everything so have allocated a spot there where I squeeze it in - the down side here will be the noise but int he absence of anywhere else to fit it I think this is my only option and don't want end up having move it at our next BSS examination. I think I've got to the bottom of fire resistant hoses etc and proprietary connections rather than a bit o pipe pushed inside another 'bit o pipe' What I think are my last questions (which may then bring more) are: Is there any specific regulation or guidance on height from water line and distance from windows etc for exhaust outlet through the hull (my thinking here is as far away from both as possible) but if I'm physically restricted I'd like to ensure I don't encroach on any minimum distances. I have purchased a plastic (polyprop?) tank of Eberspacher 10 litres I believe but can't ascertain if this is acceptable within BSS. BSS goes into lots of detail about filler caps of plastic tanks being acceptable rather than an external vent etc etc. I will probably as I get further into have a Mild Steel tank made to fit somewhere snug below the floor but keep to around 10-15 litres for space and to keep within guidance of BSS with a proper external filler but I'm a way off that - probably next season that part. Has anybody used one of these tanks? Had any problems with BSS etc? Hopefully someone may be able to assist or share tips from fitting there own etc. Many thanks, Dave

Hello all! I would like to ask a question regarding the boatbuilders Dobsons of Shardlow. My partner and I recently purchased a 40ft GRP canal cruiser, built by Dobsons in 1968. I would love to know if anyone has any information about the company, as it would be great to know some of the boats history! As far as we can tell she has had many owners, from the various adaptations both internally and externally to suit different peoples needs. The boat is named Tranquil Voyager, centre cockpit with a canvas wheelhouse. Upon trying to contact what is now JD Narrowboats, they said that they had retained no information about the previous boatbuilders, whatsoever. (Which seemed sad to me, to have no idea about what came before you). Any information would be greatly appreciated, thank you!

Not to dwell on the past, after a bad last 18 months or so and ending up boatless and very little finance wise to get started back on the boating scene we found this wee cruiser on the good old fleabay,We were after a bigger boat but at the £150 this cost towards what we was looking at spending we got this, good thing is its only 9 miles from home where we could of done work on it......but nah, not go into details i would be quicker to get it done at home. Wont get meithered as much, ( land owner ) Its in a sorry state as are all my boats i get, not all get finished by me but its good to get them a new life than leave them sat in yards or fields etc. This is a Buckingham 20, as said a bit small for what we wanted and for some reason i went to have a look at it and found it good for what we needed, somewhere to sleep, cook and well you know. Got god deck space asell for Ziggy, well jsut enough unless she dont stop growing otherwise we will have to get her on dinghy to pull behind lol. It is as near a shell as you can get, well as soon as i rip out the bit thats left, Its has good room for a 20 footer, i have had a few in the past but this is set out well. The plan is to get it home asap and get stuck in, we did want to get it on the water straight away with just the hull and engine done then go from there buta s said, its coming home to get done, and more than just that, I dont mind roughing it on the boat, just like camping but as it will be home mite aswel;l get as much done as poss. I am in the process of sorting transport, i dont have a trailer or car to pull it now so i am looking on Uship for a full job or a trailer to buy, i have a local framer that can lift iot on for me at this then which will be easie than dragging it on a railer. Will cost more to move the boat than buy it, as always with these type of project boats. Once home we have decided to strat from the top and work down, so top deck fettled and painted then fit windows, i cant decide what to do windows wise yet, either just rubber with perspex, or maybe make some wooden ones again a si did with my old Creighton, they looked good but that was a bigger boat and the wood looked good on it, not sure if it will on this boat. So this is the new boat to set us off again, just happy to be back boating, even if not on the water yet.

Not really a boat equipment question, our 1980s Karcher K570 is in the process of giving up the ghost, so we are looking around for a replacement, that will clean both concrete surfaces, and the outside of our motorhome (GRP). Anyone got any recommendations? Oh, and I am informed that if it would steam clean the kitchen floor tiles, the management would be very happy. Looking at all the options available both online and in local shops, my mind has boggled, hence this call to the forum!